Hadran: Advancing Talmud Study for Women
Hadran supports Jewish women of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels with resources and inspiration to engage in Talmud study.
Menachot 43
Rabbanit Michelle Farber
02.23.2026 | ו׳ באדר תשפ״וStart Studying Talmud
Daf Yomi
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#MegillahChallenge!
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The Value of Studying Talmud
Talmud is the foundation of Jewish practice and thought. Talmud study opens the door to a richer understanding of Jewish tradition, empowering women who engage in this study to become more effective community leaders and role models.
In order to actualize this potential, Hadran is dedicated to ensuring that Talmud study is accessible to Jewish women of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels.
Resources
Talmud, Your Way
Experience Talmud with daily or weekly shiurim from top women scholars, each with a different focus and flavor. There’s something here for everyone.
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Daf Yomi
Beyond the Daf
Din & Daf
A Daf of Their Own
Flashback
Gefet
On Second Thought
Daf Yomi: One Week at a Time
Talking Talmud
Beyond the Daf (HE)
Suggested for you
Your history
Talmud, Your Way
Experience Talmud with daily or weekly shiurim from top women scholars, each with a different focus and flavor. There’s something here for everyone.
Daf Yomi
Menachot 43
The braita explains that there is no way to test techelet (blue dye), and therefore one should only purchase it from an expert. Initially, the Gemara suggested this meant there was no way to distinguish between authentic techelet and kala ilan (a vegetable-based fake). However, this was rejected because there are indeed chemical tests available, as the Gemara explains. Ultimately, the conclusion is that there is no way to test if the strings were dyed “for the sake of the mitzva” (l’shma) or merely “for a tasting” (to test the color).
The Gemara then addresses: From whom may one buy tzitzit and assume they are valid? And why is it forbidden to sell tzitzit to a non-Jew?
There is also a dispute regarding whether tzitzit is a “time-bound positive commandment” (mitzvat aseh she’hazman grama). Rav Yehuda would place tzitzit on his wife’s garments. However, Rabbi Shimon holds that it is time-bound and women are therefore exempt. The rabbis disagree with him, believing that nighttime is also a time for tzitzit. Rabbi Shimon derives from the words “And you shall see it” that the obligation only applies during the day. The Gemara brings many other drashot (interpretations) on this verse, most of which relate to the profound importance of the mitzva of tzitzit.
What is unique about the color techelet that this specific color was chosen for the mitzva? It serves as a reminder of the heavenly throne.
Daf Yomi
Menachot 42
The rabbis disagree on the required length of tzitzit strings, which implies that a specific length is necessary. However, this appears to contradict a ruling by the elders of Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel that there is no requisite amount. This contradiction is reconciled by explaining that their statement refers to the maximum length.
A braita emphasizes the importance of the strings hanging down, as proven by the usage of the word “tzitzit” in a different context (Yechezkel 8:3).
How are tzitzit prepared? Specifically, how far from the garment’s edge should they be, and how many strings are inserted and in what manner? There are various opinions on these matters.
Is a bracha recited when preparing tzitzit? Can a non-Jew prepare them? Rav Chisda believed these two questions were connected and challenged Rav based on that premise; however, Rav Chisda’s understanding was ultimately rejected.
Which part of the process must be performed “for the sake of” the mitzva? Some maintain that the strings must be spun for the sake of the mitzva, while others hold that only the final preparation of the tzitzit must be done with this intent.
Daf Yomi
Get ‘on the same page’ with Jews around the world on a daily basis.
Menachot 43
Menachot 42
Menachot 40
Menachot 39
Menachot 38
Beyond the Daf
Explore relevant and thought-provoking topics that arise from the daf with fresh weekly Beyond the Daf content.
Din & Daf
Conceptual Analysis of Halakha Through Case Study with Dr. Elana Stein Hain In each session, we will delve into conceptual explorations of halakhic phenomena.
When Do The Ends Justify The Means? The Case Of Sha’atnez In Tzitzit
The World of the Tzitz – Dealing with Mortality in a Place of Immortality
A Daf of Their Own
Thought-provoking Talmudic discussions in a friendly, accessible style with Rabbanit Shira Marili Mirvis and Rabbanit Hamutal Shoval
Flashback
Flashback: a look into the reality of the Talmud. What was the time of the Talmud really like? How were the experiences different?
Gefet
Gemara, Perushim and Tosfot An in-depth (Iyun) Gemara shiur with Rabbanit Yael Shimoni and Shalhevet Schwartz Disclaimers: you do not have to be a daf learner to study Gefet. The texts are in Hebrew, the class teaching is in English. *In collaboration with Yeshivat Drisha
On Second Thought
On Second Thought: Delving Into the Sugya with Rabbanit Yafit Clymer
The Golden Menorah in the Temple: Means or Essence?
The Tabernacle and the Temple – which is more desired?
The Essence of the Incense and the Secret of the People
Spiritual Aspects of Korbanot: The Permission To Eat Meat
Daf Yomi: One Week at a Time
This shiur will allow you to connect to the worldwide phenomenon of Daf Yomi study, whether you learn the daf each day or just want to gain an overview of the entire Gemara.
Menachot Daf 31-37- Daf Yomi: One Week at a Time
Menachot Daf 24-30- Daf Yomi: One Week at a Time
Menachot Daf 17-23- Daf Yomi: One Week at a Time
Menachot Daf 9-16- Daf Yomi: One Week at a Time
Menachot Daf 2-8- Daf Yomi: One Week at a Time
Zevachim Daf 115-120+ Siyum– Daf Yomi: One Week at a Time
Talking Talmud
A conversation on the daf yomi with Anne Gordon and Yardaena Osband
Menahot 43: Should Women Be Wearing Tzitzit After All?
Menahot 38: Tekhelet: The Blue String among White Strings
Beyond the Daf (HE)
Explore weekly shiurim in Hebrew covering the most thought-provoking topics that arise from the daf.
Suggested for you
Your history
Courses
Take a Course
Develop your Talmud study skills with free, self-paced online courses by experienced Gemara teachers. All courses are designed to be relevant for beginners, as well as more advanced learners.
Masechtot
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63 Dapim
31 Dapim
26 Dapim
30 Dapim
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The Hadran Learners’ Tapestry
Meet the diverse women learning Gemara with Hadran.
Read their stories and add your own.
Margo
I started my Talmud journey in 7th grade at Akiba Jewish Day School in Chicago. I started my Daf Yomi journey after hearing Erica Brown speak at the Hadran Siyum about marking the passage of time through Daf Yomi.
Carolyn
I started my Talmud journey post-college in NY with a few classes. I started my Daf Yomi journey after the Hadran Siyum, which inspired both my son and myself.
Carolyn Hochstadter and Margo Kossoff Shizgal
Merion Station, USA
Beit Shemesh, Israel
In July, 2012 I wrote for Tablet about the first all women’s siyum at Matan in Jerusalem, with 100 women. At the time, I thought, I would like to start with the next cycle – listening to a podcast at different times of day makes it possible. It is incredible that after 10 years, so many women are so engaged!
Beth Kissileff
Pittsburgh, United States
Ive been learning Gmara since 5th grade and always loved it. Have always wanted to do Daf Yomi and now with Michelle Farber’s online classes it made it much easier to do! Really enjoying the experience thank you!!
Lisa Lawrence
Neve Daniel, Israel
I started learning daf yomi at the beginning of this cycle. As the pandemic evolved, it’s been so helpful to me to have this discipline every morning to listen to the daf podcast after I’ve read the daf; learning about the relationships between the rabbis and the ways they were constructing our Jewish religion after the destruction of the Temple. I’m grateful to be on this journey!
Mona Fishbane
Teaneck NJ, United States
I was inspired to start learning after attending the 2020 siyum in Binyanei Hauma. It has been a great experience for me. It’s amazing to see the origins of stories I’ve heard and rituals I’ve participated in my whole life. Even when I don’t understand the daf itself, I believe that the commitment to learning every day is valuable and has multiple benefits. And there will be another daf tomorrow!
Khaya Eisenberg
Jerusalem, Israel
I started Daf during the pandemic. I listened to a number of podcasts by various Rebbeim until one day, I discovered Rabbanit Farbers podcast. Subsequently I joined the Hadran family in Eruvin. Not the easiest place to begin, Rabbanit Farber made it all understandable and fun. The online live group has bonded together and have really become a supportive, encouraging family.
Leah Goldford
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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